NJ GOP Gov. Christie Vetoes .50-Caliber Rifle Ban

Christie Calls Permit Changes Impractical

Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a ban on .50-caliber rifles that was vigorously opposed by firearms rights advocates and has gutted a proposal overhauling the state's gun permit law.

Christie says the permit changes adopted by lawmakers were impractical because they rely on technology that hasn't been developed. His office announced the bill signings Friday, a week after he signed 10 other gun control measures.

The state Legislature took up more than two dozen firearms bills in response to the deadly shooting last year at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. It sent 15 of them to Christie.

The governor complained in his veto message lawmakers were haphazard in their approach to gun control and didn't heed the recommendations of his gun violence task force.